HBO on Canceling 'Enlightened': 'It Was a Very Difficult Decision'

March 20, 2013 (1:44 am) GMT

The cable channel axes the Laura Dern-starring drama comedy series after two low-rated seasons.

"Enlightened" has run out of its chance to shine as HBO has pulled the plug on it. The premium cable channel decides not to renew the drama comedy series for a third season and the second season finale on March 3 was the last for the show.

"It was a very difficult decision," the network says in a press statement released on Tuesday, March 19. "We're proud of the show and we look forward to working with Mike White and Laura Dern in the future."

"Enlightened" followed Dern's Amy Jellicoe, a self-destructive health and beauty executive who, after a public meltdown and three months of meditation, attempts to get her life together. The show was nominated for best comedy series and Dern earned best comedy actress award for her role at Golden Globes in 2012.

Though it was praised by critics, the show failed to attract a large number of audience. The series debuted to 210,000 viewers in 2011. The ratings spiked in its second season, with the January opening garnering 300,000 viewers. However, the viewership number was down as the second season went on, before the season 2 finale saw a bump with 200,000 viewers.